Our class is studying about rocks and minerals in science. We have been creating salt crystals, examining rock and mineral samples, and even using microscopes to examine them. We would like to share some helpful information on rocks and minerals, because the way rocks are created, used, and found are really "Stories in the Stone!"
What's The Difference?
To organize our thoughts on rocks and minerals, we have
decided to make a chart on the differences in rocks and minerals.
Rocks
Minerals
Created from many minerals
Naturally Occurring
A Rough texture
Created from elements
rough texture
smoother texture
Made up of more than a substance
Made of one substance
Do not have the property of cleavage
May have cleavage or fracture
Does not have a crystal structure
Never has a crystal structure
Always made up of grains
Always have a definite chemical composition
Always inorganic
Always inorganic
Rock Description Chart
In class we were given a rock set, and we had to make a prediction on whether it is a rock or a mineral. And we have to state why in our notes.
Our group has so many properties, we could only put a few.
Sample Number
Properties
Rock/Mineral
Why?
#1
White, glassy luster, crystal like
Mineral
If you look closely, you see a crystal structure.
#2
Flat surface, obvious cleavage,brown
Rock
It is a blend of two colors, compressed.
#3
Flat surface, pearly luster, fragile, cleavage
Mineral
Looks natural, probably cooled quickly.
#4
Rough surface, fracture.
Rock
Looks rough, like a combination of minerals.
#5
Shiny luster, rough, obvious rock
Rock
Looks very rough, has a combination of colors.
#6
Pearly luster, shiny, black, volcanic
Mineral
Looks shiny, not a combination of grains.
#7
Lightweight, rough, silky inside
Mineral
Looks composed of one chemical.
#8
Rough, has fracture
Rock
Has different textures on different sections.
#9
Looks crystillized, is very fragile
Mineral
Looks crystallized, very flaky.
#10
Shiny luster, has many layers
Mineral
Has layers, looks sparkly. (crystals?)
#11
Layered, pink sheets
Rock
Looks rough, contains fine grains.
#12
Powdery, smooth
Rock
Looks like most common rocks.
#13
Rough, small grains
Rock
Has many different colors
#14
Rough inside, smooth outside, glassy luster
Mineral
Looks crystallized and clear
#15
Gray, shiny luster
Mineral
Looks more like a rock, but has crystals
#16
Looks layered, squashed grains
Rock
Looks like most rocks
Salt Experiment Procedure
I.)Problem/Purpose/Question
Tell difference between rocks and minerals using crystal structures as a guide.
II.)Hypothesis
We believe that crystals will form at the spot where the saltwater is. The water will probably evaporate, revealing sticky salt crystals.
III.)Materials
A paper pate, paper cup, a spoon, salt, hot water, a stirring stick, and tape (optional)
IV.)Procedure
First, take the spoon and tape it to the edge of the plate. Then pour some table salt into the paper cup, followed by the hot water. Stir the salt and water together and pour a little bit into the mouth of the spoon. Then let it sit over a few days.
V.)Data/Observations
VI.) CER
Based on the findings of this experiment, We believe that leaving salt water out will dry and grow in the open light, forming crystals.
Rock Riddles
We have taken pictures with skitch and uploaded them to Flickr. Then we
posted them on our Home Page! We have 8 Rocky Riddles listed here.
Can YOU solve them?
As you can see, this page has too much stuff.
And it was only the mineral part of stories in stone!!!
So as soon as we started the rock unit, we decided to advance this page and connect
it to another. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
NSJT Stories In Stone Homepage
Stories In Stone Introduction
Our class is studying about rocks and minerals in science. We have been creating salt crystals, examining rock and mineral samples, and even using microscopes to examine them. We would like to share some helpful information on rocks and minerals, because the way rocks are created, used, and found are really "Stories in the Stone!"
What's The Difference?
To organize our thoughts on rocks and minerals, we have
decided to make a chart on the differences in rocks and minerals.
Rock Description Chart
In class we were given a rock set, and we had to make a prediction on whether it is a rock or a mineral. And we have to state why in our notes.
Our group has so many properties, we could only put a few.
Salt Experiment Procedure
I.)Problem/Purpose/Question
Tell difference between rocks and minerals using crystal structures as a guide.
II.)Hypothesis
We believe that crystals will form at the spot where the saltwater is. The water will probably evaporate, revealing sticky salt crystals.
III.)Materials
A paper pate, paper cup, a spoon, salt, hot water, a stirring stick, and tape (optional)
IV.)Procedure
First, take the spoon and tape it to the edge of the plate. Then pour some table salt into the paper cup, followed by the hot water. Stir the salt and water together and pour a little bit into the mouth of the spoon. Then let it sit over a few days.
V.)Data/Observations
VI.) CER
Based on the findings of this experiment, We believe that leaving salt water out will dry and grow in the open light, forming crystals.
Rock Riddles
We have taken pictures with skitch and uploaded them to Flickr. Then we
posted them on our Home Page! We have 8 Rocky Riddles listed here.
Can YOU solve them?
NSJT Stories In Stone Page 2
As you can see, this page has too much stuff.
And it was only the mineral part of stories in stone!!!
So as soon as we started the rock unit, we decided to advance this page and connect
it to another. Enjoy!
Back to Stories In Stone Homepage